Asthma

[Guest]

Hi!

I had asthma as a child but have not had any symptoms for about 10 or so years, maybe more, I'm not sure. i used to have inhalers, Alupent, theo-Dur, etc. but had been symptom free until last week.

i started wheezing and feeling a tightness in my lungs/chest and though it has lessened a bit here and there, it is continual throughout the day.

I have generalized anxiety disorder and have recently faced an extremely stressful turn of events, with my family moving to my city (we were very dysfunctional with my mother continually infantilizing me and telling me I can't do this or I'm incapable of doing that, etc.). I had been anticipating their arrival with what I thought was joy but now I actually have felt DREAD and terror because I am afraid of reverting back to my old ways, which is basically being non functional.

i have had a therapist for 10 years who says this "asthma" stuff is a form of hysteria and I don't doubt it completely because I have manifested many different physical ailments purely from my mind when I'm stressed or scared.

I saw a cardiologist because I was sppoked thatit was my heart, but he said it was asthma and gave me Singulair.

Yesterday I saw a pulmonary doctor who has yet to give me a breathing test and chest x ray (just the fact that I had to make seperate appointments for these was enough to make me nervous. I like to find out what is what right away!). He thinks I have acid reflux and allergic rhinitis (I do have sinus problems up the wazoo but they've never caused wheezing before).

He gave me Proventil and a purple diskus device that adminitsers powdered medication.

Last night i had my first Singulair and hypenventilated (I seem to hyperventilate regularly the past few days since I keep drawing long breaths) because I was nervoous about possible side effects or reactions.

So here I am, with tightness in my chest that doesn't really go away, though when i am distracted from it it does lessen.

Is this asthma? Or is this in my head? I know I must sound like a nutcase because I am so sensitive to my body and all and so scared of reactions to medications. I can't help but wonder all day long if I will suffocate. The doctors didn't seem particularly alarmd when i told them I feel this tightness continually. The past two days were better, before I saw the pulmonary guy. Things started feeling better, but right now I'm just hyperventilating thinking I will suffocate if I don't draw long breaths every time.

Isn't Singulair supposed to alleviate that tightness? I have only had one dose so far. Does it take longer to kick in?

Also, could this simply be in my head? I do feel "smothered" by having my family so close now. Also, I am unemployed and recently got my last unemployment check, and that was enough to set my mind in a tizzy since I've had such a hard time finding work.

Am I just a jumble of nerves, or is it asthma? And should I be worried about the tightness in my chest or just try and relax? (I'm trying!)

Thanks for your advice! I appreciate it. I am hoping I will find some relief soon.

[Guest]

I cannot tell you if this is asthma or anxiety. The lung tests the pulmonologist ordered should help with that. Singulair works by reducing inflammation in the lungs which can lead to wheezing but it does not give immediate relief of symptoms. Proventil should help with that. in any case, you should be reassured that the correct tests are being done to help determine the cause of your symptoms and get a proper treatment.
[quote] Hi.

I had asthma as a child but have not had any symptoms for about 10 or so years, maybe more, I'm not sure... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thanks:) I have been feeling better today, with no wheezing and pretty much no tightness at all. Just a tiny cough here and there. I guess the Singulair is working? I dunno. In any case I'm making an appointment to see my therapist and I'm trying to find out if there is an underlying anxiety.

thanks for your note, I appreciate your responding to me!
[quote] I cannot tell you if this is asthma or anxiety. The lung tests the pulmonologist ordered should help with that... [/quote]